2 Violated Policy on Concussions

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

January 10, 2014

Two players violated league concussion protocol during last weekend’s wild-card games, according to a letter sent by the N.F.L.’s head, neck and spine committee chairmen to all team doctors and trainers.

In a document obtained by The Associated Press, Drs. Hunt Batjer and Richard Ellenbogen said one player re-entered a game and another refused to leave the sideline. The doctors did not identify the players, but one was Green Bay tackle David Bakhtiari, who returned to the field for an extra-point play after being examined for a concussion but not cleared. The other was New Orleans cornerback Keenan Lewis, who remained on the sideline Saturday but did not re-enter his game.

The letter said the players acted “contrary to the advice of the team medical staffs” after a concussion diagnosis. The doctors found “no fault” in how the teams’ medical staffs conducted themselves. No fines will be imposed for the violations.

AROUND THE LEAGUE San Diego center Nick Hardwick (concussion) has been cleared to work out. ... Indianapolis receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (hamstring) will not play Saturday. ... Houston offensive tackle Duane Brown has been added to the Pro Bowl roster. ... Carolina receiver Steve Smith (knee) said he hoped to be ready to play Sunday.